Robin Räikkönen, 11-year-old son of Kimi, joins Red Bull junior driver programme

Junior programme recruitment

Red Bull Racing announced on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, that 11-year-old karting driver Robin Räikkönen will join its driver development programme beginning in 2027. The young Finnish racer, nicknamed Ace, is currently in his third season of competitive karting and has already secured victories in national and international events, including the Rotax and WSK series. The announcement followed his visit to the Italian Grand Prix paddock in Monza, where he was permitted to sit inside Max Verstappen's car. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said the Austrian racing team plans to guide Robin's development step by step, providing technical resources and coaching without placing excessive pressure on the child.

“Robin has already demonstrated exceptional ability in karting. His speed, racecraft and natural talent make him one of the most promising young drivers in his age group. At the same time, he impresses with his maturity, composure and clear focus on driving.”

Red Bull talent pipeline

The Red Bull Junior Team has developed numerous drivers who progressed to Formula One, including four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Other graduates from the programme include Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon, Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad, Jean-Eric Vergne, Isack Hadjar, and Daniel Ricciardo, who concluded his Formula One career at the end of 2024. Starting in 2027, the junior operation will be directed by French specialist Gwen Lagrue, who previously ran Mercedes' development setup and discovered 20-year-old championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Red Bull aims to provide Robin with comprehensive preparation across several seasons of grassroots karting before evaluating single-seater competition.

Support from the Räikkönen family

Kimi Räikkönen, the 2007 Formula One world champion nicknamed Iceman, confirmed that detailed discussions with Mekies and Red Bull management influenced the decision to partner with the Austrian outfit. The elder Räikkönen is directly involved in managing his son's racing activities, prioritizing steady development over rapid promotions through the ranks. He explained that Robin enters the programme with humility and will work to justify the confidence placed in him by the team. Team leadership reiterated that long-term motorsport progression requires time, appropriate cultural backing, and patient mentoring from experienced personnel.

“We are all thrilled and excited that Robin has been chosen to further his racing path as a member of the Red Bull Junior Team. They offer a compelling and comprehensive programme to develop and nurture Robin's progress over the coming years and provide him with all the experience required to develop his natural talent, which has amply been displayed in all his karting endeavours to date.”

Historical context and Finnish lineage

Robin's father contested 19 Formula One seasons between 2001 and 2021, representing Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari, and Lotus, in addition to competing in NASCAR and the World Rally Championship during a two-year hiatus. Across more than 350 Grand Prix starts, Kimi earned 21 victories and 103 podium finishes. He captured his world championship with Ferrari in 2007 by a single point over McLaren drivers Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso during the season finale, remaining the Scuderia's last drivers' champion. Robin's signing also mirrors another recent junior academy recruitment from Finland, following Ella Häkkinen, daughter of double world champion Mika Häkkinen, who joined McLaren's driver development programme last year.

Sebastian Vettel4

Max Verstappen4

Sebastian Vettel

4 titles

Max Verstappen

4 titles

Data from the article text